Hamilton was in third place when the incident happened with 15 laps to go at Istanbul Park.

The 22-year-old was able to get back to the pits but as the puncture had damaged the car, Hamilton had to settle for fifth.

The points position is very interesting now

McLaren boss Ron Dennis

"I just noticed on the exit of turn eight something started flapping on the tyre," he said. "It was a big surprise, I didn't feel anything happening.

"I was braking into turn nine when the tyre exploded as soon as I hit the brakes. That's when I went onto the run-off.

"I was very lucky to get the car stopped and turned as it was moving around. I had to try and bring it home but the tyre was flapping around damaging the front wing and I was worried it was going to damage some other bits on the car.

"I saw my competitors going past and there was nothing I could do."

Hamilton is confident he can overcome the setback at the next race, the Italian Grand Prix on 9 September, although he admits he does not know how he will perform at the final three races of the season in Japan, China and Brazil.

"There are some improvements coming, I think in Monza we will be good," he added. "I'm not worried about that.